E-vans and cargo bikes work together to improve efficiency and deliver net zero

A new logistics concept: intelligent linking of eSprinter and e-cargo bike takes efficiency in delivery to a new level

Mercedes Benz Vans is providing an insight into what sustainability could look like in the delivery transport of the future. 

Working with technology platform SUSTAINEER (SustainABILITY PIONeer) Mercedes-Benz Vans has developed an efficient logistics concept for last-mile delivery with zero local CO2 emissions.

In cooperation with the Berlin-based cargo bike manufacturer ONOmotion, the company is combining the all-electric van and the electric cargo bike to create a seamless supply chain. The eSprinter van becomes, in effect, a mobile micro-depot.

Meet the team bringing Onomotion bikes to the UK at the National Cargo Bike Summit, May 10, London

The e-van brings pre-packaged goods in special containers to cargo bikes, which take care of delivery to the front door. Transferring the goods to the ONO e-cargo bike takes just a few minutes. As a result, the eSprinter does not have long idle times and can continue straight away – either to the next cargo bike or to deliver goods itself.Parallel delivery with cargo bikes and all-electric vans increases efficiency and shortens delivery times in both urban and rural areas. The van becomes, in effect, a mobile micro-depot.

In cooperation with the Berlin-based cargo bike manufacturer ONOmotion, Mercedes Benz is combining the all-electric van and the electric cargo bike to create a seamless supply chain. The eSprinter van becomes, in effect, a mobile micro-depot

Parallel delivery with cargo bikes and all-electric vans increases efficiency and shortens delivery times in both urban and rural areas.

The innovative logistics concept is suitable for a wide range of industries – from courier, express and parcel services to large bakeries, service providers for workwear and company textiles or food suppliers.

The consignments can be pre-picked in the logistics centre according to the delivery route and loaded into the interchangeable wheeled Onomotion containers.

The all-electric van then transports them to the handover point, where they are loaded onto the e-cargo bike.

The special wheeled containers offer a loading volume of more than two cubic metres and a payload of up to 200 kilograms. They can be flexibly configured for various applications, such as parcel delivery. 

The all-electric van stops at defined points along its route and transfers the containers to an ONO e-cargo bike.

This is done in a few simple steps: simply roll the container onto the cargo bike’s loading area and couple it up. This means no time-consuming reloading of individual packages.

There is also no need to hire a temporary storage facility, as the eSprinter acts as a micro-depot. It can continue its journey after a few minutes to deliver to the next ONO e-cargo bike in another neighbourhood or village or to take bulky goods to their recipients.

The eSprinter therefore has significantly fewer delivery points and idle time at the kerb, known as curbside time.

This reduces traffic flows, relieves the burden on infrastructure and contributes to a new quality of life – especially in urban areas. 

The ONO e-cargo bike rider sits in a weatherproof cabin and can ride along cycle paths to any doorstep without having to look for a parking space. This speeds up delivery. The delivery staff also have to walk less. As the consignments are packed according to the delivery route, no searching or rearranging is necessary. The ONO e-cargo bike has a range of up to 25 kilometres and the 1.4 kWh battery offers pull-away assistance up to 6 km/h.

It can be replaced in a matter of seconds. A replaceable battery on board effectively doubles the range. Charging is possible via a standard earthed socket. Additional advantages: No driving licence is required for the cargo bike. This makes deployment planning more flexible and facilitates the search for new employees. In addition, the cargo bike requires significantly less space in traffic, which can lead to increased acceptance of delivery transport, especially in the city.